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Wastewater & Coronavirus | Leavenworth National Cemetery | Veteran Survives COVID-19 | Kansas Meatpacking Guidelines | Lessons From Dr. Seuss

Justin Casey
/
Unsplash
Leavenworth National Cemetery will not feature graveside flags during the Memorial Day weekend because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:15: Determining the spread of COVID-19 through testing wastewater

Scientists from the state and University of Kansas have teamed up to test wastewater for traces of the coronavirus. The results allow them to see how widespread the virus has been.

Segment 2, beginning at 19:55: How veterans will be honored at the Leavenworth National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend.

The global pandemic has changed Memorial Day routines at Kansas' national cemetery. The National Cemetery Administration has decided against the placement of graveside flags, and visitors should expect to maintain social distance.

Segment 3, beginning at 29:45: A World War II veteran from Kansas wins his battle against COVID-19.

Max Deweese, a 99-year-old veteran of World War II, was awarded two Purple Hearts. He talks about contracting COVID-19, being hospitalized and quarantined, and surviving the disease.

    • Max Deweese, Overland Park resident

    Segment 4, beginning at 37:20: A discussion about the relaxing of guidelines meant to protect meatpacking employees

    A new report from the Kansas City Star and the Wichita Eagle has raised concerns about how and why the Kansas Department of Health and Environment loosened quarantine guidelines for employees in the meatpacking industry.

    Segment 5, beginning at 52:55: A virtual commencement speech

    With graduation ceremonies across the metro cancelled, we're bringing you speeches from valedictorians in the Kansas City region. Today, Nicholas Burdolski shares with his fellow graduating students lessons learned from Dr. Seuss.

      When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
      Michelle is a reporter covering race, identity and culture and is an assistant talk show producer.
      As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
      As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
      Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer at KCUR, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach me at mackenzie@kcur.org.